Difference between protein and soy protein isolate and their benefits

In choosing formula milk, you need to consider various factors to suit your child's condition. Soya milk is one of the various formulas available. However, it turns out that not all soy formulas are the same. There is a formula containing soy protein and a formula with soy protein isolate. What is the difference between the two and what are the benefits of each protein for child development? Find the answer below.

Know the difference between soy protein and soy protein isolate

Soya protein is of high quality which is, by comparison, equivalent to animal protein, such as casein, egg whites and meat.

Soya milk comes from soybeans, while protein isolate is a simple form of plant protein found in soybean seeds. Soya protein isolate is a protein that is extracted through various processes including the deposition process.

Both soy milk and soy protein isolate formulas do not contain lactose, so they are safe for children with lactose intolerance, both of which do not contain casein like that found in cow's milk.

Generally, soy milk can be given to children based on medical or non-medical reasons. Medical indications for using soy formulas in children include those previously mentioned, namely children who have lactose intolerance and galactosemia (conditions that cause your little one to not digest glucose).

For non-medical reasons, ethical considerations such as living a certain lifestyle are another reason soy formulas are used, for example the vegetarian concept of living. Not only that, the trend of a healthy lifestyle that is currently busy in the community is also the reason some people prefer plant-based food sources even though they don't really stop consuming animal protein.

The benefits of both types of soy milk for child development

Soya milk with protein isolate and soy protein both contain amino acids. Basically, the amino acid content in soybean and cow's milk is similar.

Amino acids are divided into two major groups, namely essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are amino acids that are needed by the body, but cannot be produced by the body itself so they need intake from food.

When protein is digested in the body, what is left is the amino acids. The body uses amino acids to help:

Breaks down the food consumed
Growth and development
Repair any damage that occurs in body tissues
Supports most body functions

Soya milk contains 8 types of essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are also needed by the body and are just as important as essential amino acids for growth and development. However, non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body in adequate amounts from the ingredients present in the food consumed.

Formula milk with fortified soy protein isolate

The soy protein isolate-based formula contains several main types of ingredients, namely the protein isolate itself, fat, carbohydrates, and amino acids. After experiencing the protein isolate extraction process, there is still a small amount of phytate which can interfere with the absorption of several types of minerals, so that the mineral fortification process is needed to increase the absorption process.

The purpose of this addition is to meet the macro and micro nutrient needs needed for the growth and development needs of children.

There is an issue or myth that the phytoestrogen content in soy formulas can affect sexual development or make children more feminine. In fact, until now there has been no research and scientific evidence that confirms this myth, so you don't need to worry (IDAI).

In addition, the fortification process will also increase protein absorption, a more comfortable taste, and reduce the frequency of flatulence.

The fortification process is the addition of ingredients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other components that aim to meet children's macronutrient and micronutrient needs. The advantage of consuming fortified soy isolate protein-based formulas is the fulfillment of children's daily nutritional needs.

Research that supports the use of soy-based formulas for children

A meta-analysis on the safety of using a soy based formula by Vandenplas et al. concluded that giving milk based on soy isolates which contains phyto-estrogen did not show significant side effects on reproductive function.

Consumption of soy isolate milk does not cause malnutrition problems, sexual development disorders, thyroid disease, decreased immune function, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

From the research of Andres, et al. in 2012, showed that there was no significant difference in the growth and development of the little one who consumed soy protein isolate formulas compared to children who consumed standard formulas.

Finally, Westmark's 2017 study showed no differences in body weight, height and head circumference between children who consumed cow's milk and soy formula.

Soya protein-based formula milk is a solution to the problem of cow's milk protein allergy and is relatively safe to give to babies. You can of course consult further with your pediatrician regarding the use of soy milk.